What are the folks who are resigned to Alito's victory rolling over to?

[bigtree]

What, do tell, is going to garner their interest and effort now that they've walked away from this integral function of our opposition? Do they think they can hold themselves together long enough to at least finish a fight before they move on? We knew the odds were against us when we began. It's not a pretty sight to see folks on our side turning away from the hearings before they are even finished. I can't say I'm impressed by these fair weather warriors.

Overturning any or all of Bush's ambitions is a daunting prospect at best with the majority of seats and positions of our government in the opposition's hands. But, I don't think we can afford to retreat, even in the face of likely defeat, without a full fight. It gives voters an opposition to Bush they can identify with.

Of course, I speak mainly of those of us outside the political system. I've long since given up the notion that our elected will fight beyond the risk to their own safe seat. But, I expect more diligence from those subject to the leader's meddling. The ultimate defeat is in not trying at all.

[bowens43]

1. This was a fight that couldn't be won.

Expending too much political capital on this would be a mistake. Making lots of noise however, was the right thing to do (and we did that). There is no way that this nominee can be stopped if the Republicans want him. It has nothing to do with being 'fair weather warriors' , it has to do with knowing how to pick your battles.

The only logical traget is the 2006 congressional elections. That's a battle we can and will win.

[bigtree]

2. How do we convince voters that we will fight for their concerns

if we roll over on this nomination?

This is an integral function of our opposition party, the approval of nominees from the Executive. This should be a direct challenge to his perogative. This is a lifetime appointment that will allow Alito to rule on almost every aspect of our social and political lives. If we turn our backs here without a strong fight, what's to prevent the process from becoming a rubber stamp for the executive in the future?

Everything that comes from this administration deserves a full battle. We can do more than one thing at once. We'd better, lest the opposition figures out all they have to do is overwhelm us with issues.

[bowens43]

5. We have opposed it , loudly and forcefully, but we can't stop it.

Most people don't even know what a filibuster is nor do they care.

We need to concentrate on 2006 and then after we regain control of congress we need to start repairing the damage this administration has caused. We need to stay focused on our core issues, choice, health care, education, the environment, jobs etc.

The combination of Republican scandals and these few issues could guarantee a return of Democratic control of Congress. A filibuster now, without a chance of being successful, would IMO harm us with some of those voters still on the fence.

[Solo_in_MD]

3. Concur

There was nothing there that would have caused the American people to reject him. The noise was about all the professional pols could make, and they did a good job. Once the ABA came out for him, it was all over except the speechs.

[bowens43]

4. the American people are irrelevent in this battle.

The republican majority doesn't care what the American people want or need or deserve.

[PATRICK]

9. Political Capital? 2006?

Sneaking into campaign 2006 trying not to offend the crooks???? Logical??? Somehow I just sense there is something very very twisted in that perception. If you cannot instill a sense of public outrage and rallying people and educating people even in a hostile media(they won't make that a point about that, the OTHER side does!) exactly what kind of lackadaisical momentum by default of overreaching criminal actions by the GOP is going to make 2006 exciting enough to really matter OR buffer against cheating and propaganda?

Whta political capital is it exactly that they have and where is it? The bones locked away in Abramoff's cupboard? Compromises and pork from W? Points from Pundit America on a nice little scorecard?

Lay out the doormat for 2006.

[Loonman]

6. Sometimes you have to punt

Sucks, but it happens.

[bigtree]

7. there hasn't even been testimony from the groups opposing him yet

Seems early to throw in the towel. Probably will steam roll from here, but I wonder at the logic behind folding before the hearing is over? Not very inspiring for any future fight folks might want us to follow them in.

[Loonman]

8. Witnesses might have some good info

That's bad for Alito. It's not over yet.

[goclark]

Duplicate -sorry nt

[goclark]

10. Exactly! Take a lesson from the Republicans folks

They don't ever roll over, they always bully through everything.